FREE Stuff to Do with the Kids!

OK, this is a slightly short and cheats version of my fourth entry into the NaBloProMo by BritMums (essentially encouraging us all to post on our blog every day in November - only another 26 to go!!)

Anyway, my post the other day was about thrifty or free things to do in East Lothian with the kids this weekend - it's Guy Fawkes, it's autumnal, and the forecast (here anyway) isn't too bad.  So, I thought I'd do a little update (partly because I know what the weather is likely to be like and partly because I missed something...)

FREE Fireworks - if you're in East Lothian or Edinburgh, take a trip along to the Racecourse at Musselburgh for their free fireworks display - doors open at 6pm and the display starts at 8pm.  Let's just hope there's no horse racing!



Tyninghame Beach - this is my favourite beach in the whole of East Lothian so, if the kids have had their fill of their Hallowe'en sweets and need to burn off some of that sugar, get along to Tyninghame for a spot of bracing fresh air - and a view of the Bass Rock that you might not have seen before.

Hailes Castle - fab wee castle ruin about 2 miles from Haddington on the road to East Linton.  Great for the kids to explore (although next to a stream so explore with supervision only) and, if it's dry enough, a picnic in amongst the ruins is always fun.



Butterdean Wood - will no doubt be a bit muddy underfoot but get your wellies on, take along a couple of bags and get the kids collecting all sorts of leaves, seeds, acorns - and maybe even the odd chestnut.  Great for exploring with little ones as you can make the walk as long or short as you'd like.


Whatever you're up to, enjoy the weekend.  Personally, I'll be spending the entire weekend at Lennoxlove Book Festival - a book festival on my doorstep, I'm in heaven - as they are one of my clients for my 'other' job.

Enjoy!

Family Fun in East Lothian!

Well, with Guy Fawkes coming up this weekend there's loads to keep the little ones (and bigger ones) amused if you live in lovely East Lothian - like me!  And apologies if you don't and feel jealous - but perhaps you should visit if you're near enough?


Anyway, my two thrifty recommendations for the weekend:


Lennoxlove Book Festival - OK, now the main events are not necessarily cheap BUT you can get a Family Book Festival pass that gives 5 people (2 adults and 3 kids) entry to the Festival on either Saturday or Sunday (although I think the Saturday has sold out).  For the bargain price of £22, the 5 of you can get entry into 5 events including Julia Donaldson, Sir Charlie Stinky Socks author Kristina Stephenson and Funny Food with Nick Sharratt.  Or, if you're not sure what you're up to this weekend and would like a bit more flexibility, there are free Storytime and Bookbug Rhyme Sessions - all in the gorgeous surroundings of Lennoxlove House just outside Haddington.


Pencaitland Fireworks - the best fireworks display this side of the Edinburgh Festival, it's a fantastic achievement by Pencaitland Primary School PTA to put on THE fireworks display in everyone's calendar not just those who go to the school.  This year it's on at 6.15pm on Saturday 5th November and tickets are £5 for adults and £3 for children on the door.

Free Family Fun Day!

I am all about thriftiness so what better than a free day out with the kids? 

If you live in or near Edinburgh, the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho - which both my husband and son absolutely love - is having a free family fun day this Sunday, 2nd October 10am - 4pm. 

There sounds like there will be lots to do for big and little kids with face painting, soft play, abseiling and climbing sessions.  So if you fancy scaling the heights - or even just a leisurely ceramics session and a coffee, why not head along there for lots of free activities for the kids - with the added attraction that they'll burn off some energy in the process and you might get a quiet evening.